AP World History Topic 1.1 Developments in East Asia (c. 1200 - 1450) Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering political systems, cultural movements, and economic innovations in Song China and neighboring East Asian societies from c. 1200 to c. 1450.

Song Dynasty

An East Asian empire (c. 1200 - c. 1450) that utilized Confucianism and an imperial bureaucracy to maintain order, whose economy flourished through expanding trade networks, agricultural innovations, and commercialization.

 Imperial Bureaucracy

An administrative organization of government officials used by Chinese dynasties, including the Song, to carry out imperial policies and maintain rule.

Buddhism

A major Asian religion with various branches, schools, and core beliefs that continued to shape societies and cultural traditions in East Asia.

Free Peasant and Artisanal Labor

The essential labor systems upon which the commercialized economy of Song China depended for producing goods and agricultural yield.

Xuanzong

An emperor of the Tang Dynasty referenced in the historical outline.

Yang Guifei

A prominent historical figure associated with the Tang Dynasty under Emperor Xuanzong.

Zhao Kuangyin/Taizu

The founding emperor (Emperor Taizu) who established the Song Dynasty.

Liao Dynasty

A rival dynasty in northern East Asia associated with the Khitans.

Khitans

A nomadic group that established the Liao Dynasty north of China.

Scholar-gentry

An educated social class in Song China that achieved government positions through study and civil service administration.

Zhu Xi

A key philosopher who played a major role in synthesizing and promoting Neo-Confucianism.

Neo-Confucians

Adherents of a revived and reinterpreted form of Confucianism during the Song Dynasty that shaped social hierarchies and culture.

Tangut

A group from Northwest China that established the Western Xia dynasty, listed in the Song Dynasty outline.

Wang Anshi

A Song Dynasty statesman and reformer listed in the lecture outline.

Jurchens

A neighboring group that conquered northern China, prompting the retreat of the Song Dynasty to the south.

Southern Song

The second era of the Song Dynasty after losing control of northern China to the Jurchens.

Grand Canal

A major waterway system in China that facilitated inland trade, communication, and economic integration.

Junks

Advanced Chinese sailing ships that supported maritime trade and commercial expansion.

Flying Money

A system of credit and paper money developed in China that enabled long-distance commercial transactions.

Champa Rice

A fast-ripening, drought-resistant agricultural crop innovation that significantly boosted Song China's food supply and productive capacity.

Neo-Confucian Male Dominance

The patriarchal social order reinforced by Neo-Confucian ideology during the Song Dynasty, placing women in subordinate roles.